An Impactful Valentine's Day of Service in Elementary School

Following their assembly to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., students in elementary school launched a winter donation drive in support of two local organizations, Nuevos Vecinos and Care for Friends, who assist those in need and welcome new migrants to Chicago. Each cycle was responsible for collecting different items; Grades 1-3 gathered winter accessories and nonperishables, while Grades 4-5 were responsible for toiletries. Together, they collected over 20 boxes of food ingredients and 75 toiletry kits, which were compiled during their Valentine’s Day assembly. To conclude this project, Grades 4-5 organized and assembled the kits, as well as created Valentine's Day cards to accompany them. Both groups sang songs—with cycle 2 focused on harmony and cycle 3 on the Civil Rights-era—following their work.